“Oh, it is you, dear,” the Duchess murmured.
“If you please, ma’am, I have to leave immediately!” Anita cried.
The Duchess was so astounded that she felt she could not have heard aright.
“Go – where?”
“Anywhere – home,” Anita replied.
“What has happened? What has upset you?”
Now the Duchess was fully awake and could see that Anita was very pale and her eyes had a stricken look in them, although she was not crying.
“What has upset you?” the Duchess asked again.
“I cannot explain,” Anita answered, “but please, Your Grace, let me go home. I am afraid I have no – money to pay the fare – but, if you will lend it to me, I will pay – you back.”
“Yes, of course,” the Duchess said. “But as it is Sunday there will be no trains so late in the afternoon. If you really wish to leave, you will
